Marijuana

Marijuana

Although there is a push across the country to legalize Marijuana, it is still an illegal drug in Tennessee and stands as the third most popular recreational drug in the U.S. and in 2015, more than 11 million people ages 18 to 25 admitted to marijuana use in the last year. In Tennessee, anywhere from 17,000 to nearly 20,000 people were arrested for possession of Marijuana each year between 2008-2012. Arrests for sales landed around 3,000-4,000 each year during that same timespan.

Marijuana and its Effects

Marijuana, also referred to in slang as bud, weed, pot, or grass, is a mixture of leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The mind-altering chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is what brings about the desired effects of users, which include altered senses, relaxed feelings, difficulty thinking and an altered sense of time.

Marijuana and Addiction

It has long been debated whether marijuana is addictive but the long-term use effects are not debatable and include temporary hallucinations, paranoia, and other mental disorders. Research says between 9 and 30 percent of marijuana users may develop some degree of marijuana use disorder and according to drugabuse.gov, “people who use before age 18 are four to seven times more likely than adults to develop a marijuana use disorder.”

Smoke from marijuana also irritates the lungs just as tobacco smokers experience. There is a higher risk for lung infections and lung cancer after long-term use.

Get Help Today

JourneyPure Center for Professional Excellence staff is here to help if you are struggling with marijuana use and it’s effects on your career and personal relationships. Contact us today.